Stephen Hunt was born in Portlaoise, Ireland and his specialist position is on the left side of midfield.

He began his professional career with Crystal Palace and after progressing through the youth system, made three substitute appearances for the Eagles towards the end of the 1999/2000 season.

Regular first team football wasn't forthcoming however and Hunt dropped down a division to join Brentford on a free transfer for the start of the 2001/02 season. He impressed during his first year at Griffin Park, helping his new club to the League One play-offs were they were eventually beaten by Stoke City in the final at the Millennium Stadium.

Hunt reached double figures in terms of goals in each of the next two seasons and his time at Brentford came to an end with 29 goals from 160 games.

Unsurprisingly, his form had attracted interest from higher-ranked sides and he joined Reading in the summer of 2005.

He helped the Royals to the Championship title in his first year at the Madejski Stadium and although he wasn't a regular starter, he went on to hold down a regular place as Reading finished eighth in their first season in the Premier League.

It was during that season that Hunt made his first senior international appearance for the Republic of Ireland, coming on as a substitute in a 2-1 win against San Marino.

His four seasons with Reading brought 173 games and 21 goals before the 28-year-old completed his move to the KC Stadium in August 2009.

He made a great start to his time in East Yorkshire, scoring twice in his first two games against Chelsea and Spurs.

STEPHEN HUNT'S FULL INTERNATIONAL APPEARANCES WHILST WITH HULL CITY
Total up to 31 March 2010: 4 caps
05.09.2009 A v Cyprus in Nicosia (World Cup Qualifier)
10.10.2009 H v Italy in Croke Park, Dublin (World Cup Qualifier) - Sub
14.10.2009 H v Montenegro in Croke Park, Dublin (World Cup Qualifier)
14.11.2009 H v France in Croke Park, Dublin (World Cup Play-Off) - Sub